At London Bay Homes, we are committed to building the finest luxury homes in Southwest Florida – homes that are perfect reflections of our clients’ distinctive tastes and individual personalities. And our unique partnership with Romanza Interior Design allows us to deliver the true luxury of a tailored fit for every client we work with.
Romanza’s Senior Interior Designer, Melissa Allen, recently sat down with us to talk about design trends, the Southwest Florida lifestyle, and how Romanza can create the perfect luxury home for anyone looking to build with London Bay Homes.
What's trending now in interior design?
Brass has become the new satin nickel. When executed correctly using warmer gold tones, adding brass accessories, lamps, occasional tables, and decorative lighting can be very elegant. Mixing metal finishes in accessories and décor has also been received well.
Wide-planked, lighter oak wood floors have taken the place of the ever-so-popular dark espresso wood floors. Wire-brushed European white oak floors with a coat of wax are also very durable and more casual for the Florida lifestyle.
Finally, we’re seeing more clients opt for a more timeless look and not worrying about keeping up with all of the latest trends that don’t stand the test of time. In doing so, this allows for the integration of more unique pieces to give your home a more personal touch and everlasting eclectic appeal.
How do you incorporate the Southwest Florida lifestyle into your designs?
When I think of the Southwest Florida lifestyle, I think of living in paradise and enjoying the beach, golf, alligators, dolphins, boating, fishing, sunsets, birds, seashells, starfish — the list goes on. Our lifestyle revolves around guests, family, vacation, and an ease of living not everyone gets to enjoy all year round. Your home can reflect this type of lifestyle by using light, airy, and natural materials and colors, mixing key sentimental and valuable décor from previous homes, and choosing materials that are casual, practical, and functional in order to enjoy the ease of living in Southwest Florida.
You’ve designed quite a few London Bay Homes. Which one has been your favorite?
This is a very hard question, as all of the homes I work on have an element of distinction that sticks with me. What is most satisfying for me is the end result and witnessing how I have contributed positively to a client’s lifestyle. One of the biggest unspoken complements I receive from a client is when I walk back into their home 5+ years later and not much has changed or moved, including the accessories.
My most recent favorite home is the Brighton in Quail West, a luxury custom home near Sarasota, Florida. I really wanted this home to stand out as different and unique from all of the other homes in the area. I prefer not to stay “safe” in my designs, and I love the unique essence we accomplished in this home. The exceptional use of millwork in the columns, wall, and ceiling details reveals the meticulous attention to detail our interior architect shares on every project. In addition, the homes I have recently completed are known for my use of color. This particular home exposed how the use of textures, layers, and neutrals can be equally as pleasing and exciting.
Tour the Brighton:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHvS3Q-g7SM
What are the benefits of designing with Romanza?
Romanza is a full service interior design firm that not only has a very talented staff, but also understands the importance of relationships. Building a relationship with our clientele that stems from trust, security, and professionalism is our first priority. We take pride in our ability to evaluate our client’s needs, lifestyle, and personality to design the space of their dreams. Our team is comprised of specialists trained to make sure the process flows smoothly and communication remains successful.
What services does Romanza provide for London Bay homebuilders?
Our team is grateful to be such an influential contributor to the design process of London Bay’s homes. We provide everything from architectural detailing (including space planning, built-in and fireplace designs, ceiling and flooring details, and tile designs), to material specification (including flooring, cabinetry and countertops, fixtures, decorative lighting, paint and wall-coverings, roof tile, pavers, and pool tile), to furnishing selections (including interior and outdoor furniture, window treatments, bed linens, decorative pillows, area rugs, lamps, accessories, artwork, and interior plants, trees, and floral arrangements). For all projects, we take an active role in collaborating with the architects, contractors, and lighting specialists.
What advice do you have for someone thinking about building and designing a custom home?
The design process, from the initial consultation, to setting a budget and defining the design concept, should be a collaborative and enjoyable journey. Find a team of professionals that ask the right questions and listen closely to your needs – they should be willing to spend the valuable time it takes to develop a successful relationship with you and set the foundation for a successful project. Take the time to evaluate your requirements and desires in details and share visual inspirations online via websites like Houzz and Pinterest. Tools like this are the most effective form of communication — pictures speak a thousand words.
Let London Bay Homes show you how it feels to own a truly one-of-a-kind luxury custom home in vibrant Naples or picturesque Sarasota, Florida. Download our interactive brochure to learn more about the Private Label Living lifestyle.
